Half of older Americans fear developing dementia – why most of their prevention methods are wrong

Nearly half (48.5%) of Americans in their 50s and early 60s fear that it is possible to develop dementia as they grow older, but only 5.2% of them have actually spoken to doctor for the steps they could take to reduce the risk, a study published this month concluded. Moreover, some people have turned to crossword puzzles and other such solutions that have no proven preventative effect.

Instead, many are engaging in evidence-based memory support strategies, the authors – who conduct research in psychiatry and internal medicine at the University of Michigan – said. "While the management of chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, may reduce the risk of dementia, few respondents seem to have discussed this with their doctor."

Interest in treatment and prevention has shifted earlier in the process of illness. Politicians and physicians must emphasize fact-based strategies.

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1; New scientific book published in JAMA

"Interest in treatment and prevention has shifted earlier in the disease process," the release said. "Middle-aged adults may not accurately assess their risk of developing dementia. Policymakers and physicians should focus on current evidence-based strategies for managing lifestyle and chronic medical conditions to reduce the risk of dementia.

A research paper published by the JAMA medical journal says that many older Americans do not seem to know the ways to reduce the risk of dementia and resort to "ineffective options" such as either vitamin E, ginkgo biloba – a popular supplement obtained from the raincoat on the tree – it is thought to improve cognitive function but has no proven effects for this purpose. [19659002] A separate study published recently in the peer-reviewed JAMA found that a healthy lifestyle can help you reduce your risk of dementia, even if you have a genetic risk of the disease. The study analyzed data from 196 383 adults of European descent aged 60 and over. From this sample, researchers identified 1,769 cases of dementia over a further eight-year period.

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Participants with high genetic risk and adverse lifestyle were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia than those with low genetic risk and favorable lifestyle. life. However, the risk of dementia is 32% lower in people at high genetic risk if they have followed a healthy lifestyle compared to those with an unhealthy lifestyle.

Drinking at least one artificially sweetened drink per day is associated with almost three times the risk of stroke or dementia.

—2017 study of the journal American Heart Association

"This study provides a really important message that undermines the fatalistic view of dementia," says co-author David Llewellyn, an associate professor at the University of Exeter Medical School and a fellow at the Alan Turing Institute. "Some people believe it is inevitable that they will develop dementia because of their genetics." However, this study says this may not be the case.

This study, published Monday by scientists at the University of Exeter and presented at the Alzheimer's International Conference of the Los Angeles Association, states that those more likely to develop dementia report eating more sugar and salt and not have regular physical activity, smoke cigarettes and drink more than a moderate amount of alcohol.

A 2017 study found the fifth thing worth avoiding: Artificial sweeteners. "Drinking at least one artificially sweetened beverage a day is associated with an almost three times higher risk of stroke or dementia than those who drink artificially sweetened beverages less than once a week," according to a study published in the Journal of American Heart Association Stroke. ”